Cause and solutions

In this week's series of tweets, I wanted to cover a little about some of the lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer and what some of the treatment options may be.

Did you know? A lump in the breast isn’t the only sign of breast cancer. Look out for skin changes, nipple discharge, or swelling. Find out more about the signs and symptoms at https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/breast-cancer/symptoms

Did you know? Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive form of the disease. Watch for redness, swelling, or warmth in the breast.

Did you know? Most breast cancers start in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma) of the breast.

Did you know? Breast cancer treatments have come a long way. From surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to targeted therapies, hormone therapy and immunotherapy, there are more options than ever. The most suitable will depend on the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer.

Did you know? Surgery is often the first-line treatment for breast cancer, especially in early-stage cases. Advances in reconstructive surgery have allowed women who undergo mastectomies (removal of the entire breast) to feel more confident and empowered post-treatment.

Juicy Halloween

A quick break this month's pink programming to acknowledge my first Halloween party of this year's spooky season. It's not the 'big one', so no dressing up for me. You'll have to wait until next week's mega party to see that... assuming I can actually come up with a costume that I can put together in less than a week. I find it hard enough to come up with one idea so 2 in the space of less than a week is totally out of the question.

And I'm actually glad that I didn't dress up for this one because I spent most of my evening at Juice dancing with the gorgeous Reena Rain, who was looking incredible in her Playboy bunny outfit. No way  I can compete with that sort of raw sexiness so better not to try. 

Especially since I have come to the conclusion that she is in fact a goddess who walks amongst us. The crowd on the dancefloor literally parted for her as she strode out in all her glory. Just no point trying to compete with divinity. At least she saved me from propping up the bar all by myself though.

All of that being said, there were plenty of other great costumes on display. None as fucking hot as Reena's but still great in their own way. I, in particular, liked Perrie's Wednesday Adams outfit. I feel like we could be seeing a lot of those this year. As someone suggested to me; Wednesday will be this year's Harley Quinn. I don't doubt that for a second!

Other costumes appeared to literally just be a hat and not else. So not as much kudos for those.

Small changes, big difference

When thinking about how to reduce your risk of breast cancer, you don't need to consider making huge, sweeping changes to your lifestyle. A few small adjustments to your habits can be enough to make a big difference:

Did you know? Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise can reduce breast cancer risk. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Did you know? Regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer by 10-20%. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day.

Did you know? Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Limit your intake to reduce your risk. Smoking is also linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Quitting today could protect your health in the future.

Did you know? Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of developing breast cancer, especially when done for a total of one year or more. It can be protective for both mother and child.

Did you know? Performing breast self-exams only takes a few minutes each month. Set a reminder, stay proactive, and know your body! Women who perform monthly breast self-exams are more likely to detect breast cancer early, leading to more treatment options.

Empowerment and awareness through underwear

Every year, National Bra Day is celebrated on October 18th to raise awareness about breast health, support breast cancer survivors, and celebrate the importance of proper fitting bras. This day encourages women to not only appreciate the significance of comfortable and supportive lingerie but also to stay informed about breast health, regular screenings, and self-care.

While Pink October is widely known for promoting breast cancer awareness, it’s also an opportunity to think about how we support our breasts daily, in a very literal sense. Wearing the right bra can make a world of difference in terms of comfort, confidence, and even long-term health. 

A well-fitting bra doesn’t just enhance your appearance, it also contributes to your posture, prevents back pain, and reduces strain on your shoulders. This month is a great time to re-evaluate how you care for your breasts, from health check-ups to choosing the right bra.

Why National Bra Day Matters

Breast Cancer Awareness: National Bra Day is closely tied to breast cancer awareness, serving as a reminder for women to perform regular self-exams and schedule mammograms. Many survivors share their stories, while many lingerie brands use National Bra Day to launch collections specifically designed for post-surgery comfort and to donate proceeds to research foundations. Wearing a bra that fits well and offers the right support can make a huge difference, especially for women who've undergone surgery.

Promoting Confidence: A well-fitting bra is about more than just aesthetics - it’s about feeling good in your own skin. The right bra boosts not only your physical posture but also your mental outlook. National Bra Day is a time to recognize that confidence can start from the inside out. Wearing the correct bra size and style can make you feel empowered, whether you’re at work, at the gym, or out for a night. This day promotes body positivity by encouraging women to embrace their natural shape and find bras that complement and celebrate their bodies, rather than trying to fit into societal standards of beauty.

Education on Bra Fitting: Studies show that up to 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, which can lead to discomfort, back pain, and even poor breast health. National Bra Day is a call to action for women to seek out proper bra fittings, ensuring their lingerie provides adequate support. Wearing a bra that fits well can prevent sagging, reduce shoulder and neck strain, and improve your overall posture. 

How to Participate

Get Fitted: Many lingerie stores offer free bra-fitting services on National Bra Day, along with discounts to encourage women to invest in high-quality bras. Take advantage of this day to upgrade your lingerie drawer and get fitted by a professional to make sure you're getting the support you need.

Donate to a Cause: Many organizations and lingerie brands donate a portion of sales on National Bra Day to breast cancer charities so consider purchasing a bra that contributes to this cause.

Spread Awareness: Share information about breast health on social media, and encourage your friends and family to schedule regular check-ups.

National Bra Day is a time to focus on self-care, wellness, and support—both literally and figuratively!

How I'll Be Taking Part

And, for what it's worth, here's the cute little pink number that I'll be wearing today, which, while on the surface looks pretty plain and understated, ticks all the right boxes. 

Not only does it provide great support without being intrusive towards whatever I want to wear over the top of it, but I reckon it also does a rather nice job of flattering my boobs by providing a full but natural shape to them.

Stand together with survivors

No Bra Day is about showing solidarity with breast cancer survivors, especially those who have undergone mastectomies, and raising awareness about early detection. Let’s stand together, support those affected, and remind everyone to prioritize breast health through self-exams.